Uganda’s National Drug Authority approved Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, on January 5, 2025.
The drug was developed by US-based Gilead Sciences. Clinical trials showed it prevents HIV infection with 100 per cent effectiveness in high-risk groups.
“Uganda’s National Drug Authority has just approved Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly dose of PrEP manufactured by Gilead, a USA-based company! This is a game-changer for HIV prevention, especially for those at high risk. This is a great step towards ending AIDS by 2030,” the authority stated in an X post.
This approval is a major step for sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV infections remain high. Gilead has already begun shipments to the region and aims to secure regulatory approval in 18 countries by the end of 2025, covering 70 per cent of the HIV burden. PeopleDaily
